The Spurs are no Nuggets, no Jazz, these guys have been there, done it before.This Spurs team is all about efficiency and defense. The former might be a natural tendency for the Lakers, but the latter still remains an afterthought. And don’t forget the rebounding disadvantage so far in the Lakers’ playoff journey.It’s well-nigh important that LA rights its wrongs, because Duncan can rebound, because Tony Parker andManuGinobili are two of the most underrated small men in the league, and because both Vladimir Radmanovic and Sasha Vujacic have never been here.And as frail as Duncan may be, the man has a history, of success As overrated as I find him, the guy can play. Just ask the latest hot shot, Chris Paul.Bruce Bowen against Kobe now? Some might be licking their mouths at the prospect of seeing these two up against each other…but not me. Kobe will find a way, and he passes and distributes better than ever.Inevitably, Bowen’s dirty tactics will come in play. Don’t discount the high rate of technicals in this one.But note this: Kobe’s main problem this season has been his inability to control his frustration and temper during crucial, difficult moments Remember, he was but a whistle away from a suspension So I have a fair guess that SA will exploit this. I would if I were Bowen.With Bowen one-on-one against Bryant, multiple help from regular screens and double-teams, and extra pressure on Odom and Gasol to make plays and shots, we will see how the young LA turks respond.

Also, the Spurs’ two small men, Ginobili and Parker, can run and harass and compete.Extra note: Bryant shot 9-of-26 with a huge chunk of free throws for 32 points in their playoff opener against Denver, but Gasol erupted for 36. So this is the niggling headache of their offense: Gasol can dominate. He just has to be stopped.Just ensure that Kobe isn’t allowed free rein to distribute and dish, because if he does, chances are some of his dishes might actually turn into points.Bryant thanked his teammates for their contributions to his MVP award, and he rightly should have done so. If the Spurs do get the Lakers down a hole, wonder how will his teammates, and Kobe himself, react?Pressure…that’s the name of the game.It is well-known that when Kobe’s having an off-night, chances are his team will invariably have one This is when the technicals will come in play. I always thought riling up Kobe when he’s down makes him worse Just ask Detroit for pointers…they should know.

He averaged less than 25 a game against them at just 35-odd percent in the 2004 Finals….that lasttumultuous year with Shaquille O’Neal.The Pistons just competed against every Bryant shot They harassed him into forcing desperation shots. Bryant struggled to distribute the ball to the main scoring threat, O’Neal. Think the underlying feud between the two scuppered their chances? Nah…the Pistons’ relentless defense took maximum mileage off their cold war.Psychological warfare, mental intimidation…this is when it heats up.Just how will Kobe pull himself and his team down from deficits, in the fourth quarter, either at home or on the road, in foul trouble, when things are just not getting anywhere…this is where it all matters. He has been THE PLAYER this year, but the Spurs aren’t the Spurs for nothing.They were expected to roll over and let the brash upstarts, the Hornets, ride over them, the old lions, and NO should have, as should the Lakers. They were both 2-0 up and found themselves in a seemingly unending hole.Good thing, LA finished off the feisty Jazz in their own maddeninghome court! As for NO, whew…your eyes must wet with the memory of seeing a teary-eyed Paul.Don’t be too hard on yourself, Chris.